Review of The Foreigner (2017) by Garry A — 01 Jan 2018

The Foreigner (aka Jackie Chan Vs the IRA) is, at it's core, a pretty simplistic revenge flick, in the style of Taken, but if anything it is a more subtle example of the genre. Well, as understated as a film featuring a 60 year-old sliding down flagpoles, and falling backwards down staircases can be, I guess (and yes Chan *still* does all his own stunts here).

What is particularly commendable is, I'm not entirely sure how they got away with making it. For one, the plot is pretty inflammatory (literally) with some scenes that hit dangerously close to home, in terms of recent terrorist attacks on the country, but secondly, I can't believe they haven't been met with any litigation. Pierce Brosnan *is* Gerry Adams here, there is no getting away from it. From his look, to his political standing in the plot, it is like they placed his entire persona into a dumb action film, and I can't imagine he is that impressed.

If anything Brosnan is the real star here. He is certainly on-screen more than Chan, and is altogether responsible for some delicious scenery-chewing moments, even if his accent slips from time to time (an Irishman who can't do an Irish accent!). The film is only let down by some bizarre stereotypes (all the characters are named Paddy, Shamus, O'Reilly...you get the idea) and it's slightly misogynistic tone, but overall it's a lot of fun.